Bsun Avocado vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado and Akko V3 Piano Pro offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The BSUN Avocado switches are praised for their tactile nature, providing a satisfying feedback with a pronounced bump that leads to a smooth downstroke. These switches offer a buttery sensation with a mild, neutral sound profile, making for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are characterized by their linear feel, featuring a snappy sound that adds a lively and crisp quality to each key press. With a smooth actuation and a variety of descriptors such as 'bouncy', 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'polished', these switches offer a distinct typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on personal preferences in terms of tactile feedback and sound profile; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Avocado's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softness. However, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. This difference in top housing materials may lead to a noticeable variation in sound when typing on each keyboard.
In terms of aesthetics, the Avocado's polycarbonate top housing offers a transparent look that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing may not be as visually striking, but it provides a more mellow sound profile. Both switches prioritize sound quality, with the Avocado focusing on a sharper and crisper sound, while the V3 Piano Pro delivers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Despite their differences in housing materials, both keyboards offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences.
The split between the bottom and top housings of the switches can impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, which is made of nylon in both switches, influences the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, has a greater effect on the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials highlights the attention to detail in designing switches to cater to specific sound preferences and typing sensations.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a light touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Avocado has a heavier force of 65 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro's lighter force of 55 grams. The Avocado provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a smoother typing experience with its medium-light bottom out force. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the V3 Piano Pro for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Avocado for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quick and responsive key presses. Gamers, in particular, may prefer these shorter travel distances for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the V3 Piano Pro offering just a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Avocado has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Avocado for $4.00.
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The BSUN Avocado tactile switch is praised for its smooth and buttery downstroke, accompanied by a satisfying tactile bump that is pronounced but not overwhelming. In terms of sound, the Avocado offers a mild and neutral acoustics profile, creating a subtle background noise that complements the tactile experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is recognized for its snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. The Piano Pro switches maintain a smooth actuation, ensuring a pleasant tactile experience with a distinct auditory charm.
When it comes to sound, the Avocado exudes a neutral profile, while the V3 Piano Pro introduces a clacky and resonant sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Feel-wise, the Avocado switches are accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing intense feedback and a responsive typing sensation. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro switches offer a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, giving users a smooth and refined typing experience with a spring-like rebound effect.
In conclusion, the BSUN Avocado and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Avocado provides a buttery downstroke and mild sound profile, the Piano Pro delivers a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences tailored to different preferences, ensuring that users can select a switch that best suits their typing style and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether one prefers a more tactile or linear typing experience, as well as their preference for sound profiles and feedback intensity.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback, the BSUN Avocado switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear switch with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches may be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what feels best for you during your typing experience.
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